Trophy assembling systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Trophy assembly and methods for assembling a trophy are disclosed. A trophy assembly includes a first trophy component, a second trophy component and a locking mechanism for engaging at least the first and second trophy components to form the trophy assembly. The locking mechanism includes at least a male connector and a first female connector. The male connector includes a first configuration which matches with a second configuration of the first female connector such that when the male connector mates with the first female connector, the at least first and second trophy components are engaged with each other through a twisting or rotating motion to provide a secured connection between the at least first and second trophy components.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Singapore (SG) Patent Application10201605604T, filed on Jul. 8, 2016, which claims the priority benefitof U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/309,443, filed on Mar. 16,2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND

A trophy generally includes an ornamental or a decorative figurine orstructure adapted to be disposed upon a pedestal or riser which isaffixed to a support base. The ornamental or decorative structuretypically includes a three-dimensional representation which relates to asport or activity pertaining to the trophy. The pedestal or riser isused to extend the height of the trophy while the support base is usedto provide support to the ornamental or decorative structure and allowsa trophy engraving plate to be attached thereto. The various componentsof the trophy are assembled together using various fastening mechanismsto form a trophy assembly. However, conventional trophy assemblingmethods are labor intensive and inefficient. In addition, conventionaltrophy assembling techniques require the use of various hardware whichis not cost effective. Furthermore, once the various components of thetrophy assembly are assembled using conventional techniques, the trophyassembly is generally fixed and is not easy to be disassembled intoindividual components thereafter. Thus, conventional assemblingtechniques are inflexible and does not allow user to mix and match anyexisting or new components of the trophy to be assembled anddisassembled.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need to provide a trophy assemblingtechnique which allows various components of the trophy to be assembledrapidly and easily and which offers flexibility to the user to mix andmatch any existing or new components of the trophy as desired by theuser.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to variousfastening systems to assemble a trophy and methods of assembling atrophy. In one embodiment, a trophy assembly is disclosed. A trophyassembly includes a first trophy component, a second trophy componentand a locking mechanism for engaging at least the first and secondtrophy components to form the trophy assembly. The locking mechanismincludes at least a male connector and a first female connector. Themale connector includes a first configuration which matches with asecond configuration of the first female connector such that when themale connector mates with the first female connector, the at least firstand second trophy components are engaged with each other through atwisting or rotating motion to provide a secured connection between theat least first and second trophy components.

In another embodiment, a method for assembling a trophy is presented.The method includes providing a first trophy component, providing asecond trophy component, and engaging at least the first and secondtrophy components using a locking mechanism to form a trophy assembly.The locking mechanism includes at least a male connector and a firstfemale connector, the male connector includes a first configurationwhich matches with a second configuration of the first female connectorsuch that when the male connector mates with the first female connector,the at least first and second trophy components are engaged with eachother through a twisting or rotating motion to provide a securedconnection between the at least first and second trophy components.

These and other advantages and features of the embodiments hereindisclosed, will become apparent through reference to the followingdescription and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, it is to beunderstood that the features of the various embodiments described hereinare not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations andpermutations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the sameparts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the followingdescription, various embodiments of the present disclosure are describedwith reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows examples of various components of a trophy that may utilizelocking mechanism of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2a-2d show various views of an embodiment of an ornamental ordecorative structure having a male connector;

FIGS. 3a-3e show various views of an embodiment of the male connectorapplied to the ornamental or decorative structure of FIGS. 2a -2 d;

FIGS. 4a-4e show various views of an embodiment of a female connectorwhich may be applied to a riser;

FIGS. 5a-5f shows various views of an embodiment of a female connectorwhich may be applied to a support base, a decorative piece or a cap orcoupling unit;

FIGS. 6a-6f show an embodiment of a method of assembling a trophy;

FIGS. 7a-7g show another embodiment of a method of assembling a trophy;

FIGS. 8a-8g show another embodiment of a method of assembling a trophy;

FIGS. 9a-9d show another embodiment of a method of assembling a trophy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to variousfastening systems to assemble a trophy and methods of assembling atrophy. For example, the fastening system utilizes a locking mechanismand/or a fastener to assemble a trophy. In one embodiment, the lockingmechanism includes at least a male connector and a female connector. Themale connector, for example, may be applied to a first component of thetrophy while the female connector, for example, may be applied to asecond component of the trophy. The male connector includes a firstconfiguration which matches with a second configuration of the femaleconnector. For example, when the male connector mates with the femaleconnector, the male connector may be engaged with the female connectorthrough a twisting motion or rotation to provide a secured connectionbetween various components of the trophy. The fastening systems as willbe described in this disclosure allow a user to mix and match new orexisting components of trophy having various size and shape to be easilyand rapidly assembled together in a desired manner.

FIG. 1 shows examples of various components of a trophy assembly thatmay utilize the fastening system as will be described in laterparagraphs of this disclosure. The trophy assembly includes anornamental or decorative structure 110. The ornamental or decorativestructure may include any suitable three-dimensional representations ordesigns in various forms or shapes as desired by the user. The trophyassembly generally further includes a pedestal or riser 130 and asupport base 150. The pedestal or riser, for example, is used to extendthe height of the trophy assembly while the support base is used toprovide support to the ornamental or decorative structure and allows atrophy engraving plate to be attached thereto. In some embodiments, thetrophy assembly may include a cap or coupling unit 170 or a decorativepiece or element 190. The coupling unit or decorative piece may also beused to increase the height of the assembled trophy.

In one embodiment, a fastening system which includes a locking mechanismis used to assemble the various components of the trophy. The lockingmechanism, in one embodiment, includes at least a male connector and afemale connector. In one embodiment, a male connector 115 may be appliedto the ornamental or decorative structure 110. On the other hand, afemale connector (e.g., 135, 155), for example, may be applied tovarious suitable components of a trophy, including the riser 130,decorative piece 190, cap or coupling unit 170, support base 150, etc.

FIGS. 2a-2d show various views of an embodiment of an ornamental ordecorative structure 110. The ornamental or decorative structure 110,for example, may also be referred to as topper or figure. The ornamentalor decorative structure can be in various suitable size, shape andappearance and can be made by any suitable materials as desired by theuser. The ornamental structure, as shown, includes a first end 111 and asecond end 112. The first end may be referred to as the top end whilethe second end may be referred to as the bottom end. The second end ofthe ornamental structure refers to the end portion of the ornamentalstructure which is proximal to the support base while the first end ofthe ornamental structure refers to the end portion distal from thesupport base for an assembled trophy.

In one embodiment, the second end 112 of the ornamental structure 110 isconfigured to include a male connector 115. The male connector, forexample, is adapted to be selectively engaged with one or more femaleconnectors of other components of the trophy assembly so that two ormore components of the trophy can be assembled together. The maleconnector 115, for example, may be formed as part of the second end ofthe ornamental structure. Alternatively, the male connector 115 may beprovided as a separate unit which can be attached to the second end ofthe ornamental structure.

FIGS. 3a-3e show various views of an example configuration of the maleconnector 115 which is applied to the ornamental or decorative structure110 of FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2a-2d . FIG. 3a shows a front view, FIG. 3bshows a side view, FIG. 3c shows a bottom view while FIG. 3d and FIG. 3eare cross-sectional views of the male connector taken along A-A′ andB-B′ respectively. As shown, the male connector, for example, includes acolumn member 314. The column member, for example, is in the form of acylindrically hollow tube having a first end 311, a second end 312, anouter surface and an inner surface. The column member may also be in theform of other suitable configurations or shapes. The first end 311 maybe referred to as top end and the second end 312 may be referred to asthe bottom end. The first end 311 of the column member is proximal tothe second end 112 of the ornamental structure while the second end 312of the column member is distal from the second end 112 of the ornamentalstructure. The column member includes an outer diameter D_(C) which issmaller than the outer diameter D_(O) of the second end 112 of theornamental design. The body of the column member extends from the firstend to the second end and is generally hollow. The body of the columnmember includes a length L_(C) which extends from the first end 311 tothe second end 312.

The column member includes a first flange 317 and a second flange 318provided at the outer surface 314 a and are positioned at the second end312 of the column member. The first flange and the second flange arepositioned at the second end of the column member such that the firstflange and second flange are in diametric opposition with each other.The first and second flanges extend from the circumference of the bodyof the column member. As shown, the first flange and the second flangeeach has a first side surface which is connected to and extendshorizontally (e.g., in the x-direction) from the circumference of thebody of the column member and has a second side which is connected toand extends in a slanted manner from the circumference of the body ofthe column member. The outer edge of the first flange and the outer edgeof the second flange, for example, are substantially parallel andaligned with the outer diameter of the second end of the ornamentaldesign as shown in FIG. 3c . Alternatively, the outer edge of the firstflange and the outer edge of the second flange may be defined such thatthey are within the outer diameter D_(O) of the second end of theornamental structure.

In some embodiments, the column member may include stopper elementsprovided at and connect to the outer surface of the column member. Forexample, first and second upper stopper elements 332 and 333 arepositioned at the first end of the column member while a lower stopperelement 336 is positioned nearer to the second end of the column member.The first upper stopper element 332 and the second upper stopper element333 are positioned at the first end of the column member such that thefirst upper stopper element and second upper stopper element are indiametric opposition with each other. The first and second upper stopperelements are aligned and parallel to the first and second flanges. Asfor the lower stopper element, it may include a slanted sidewallprofile.

In one embodiment, the column member may be defined with one or moreslots for accommodating a fastener or a fastening element (not shown).The fastener may be any suitable types of fastener including bolt,screw, etc. The outer surface of the column member, for example,includes a first horizontal slot 322 and a second horizontal slot 324which extend in the x-direction and a vertical slot 326 which extendsfrom the second end 312 to the first end 311 and passes through thefirst and second horizontal slots. The first horizontal slot 322, forexample, includes a diameter D₁ adapted to accommodate a fastener headof a first size while the second horizontal slot 324, for example,includes a diameter D₂ adapted to accommodate a fastener head of asecond size. As shown, the second size may be slightly larger andthicker relative to the first size. As for the vertical slot 326, itincludes a diameter D_(F) which is substantially large to accommodatethe shank or shaft of the fastener. The horizontal and vertical slotsare configured such that the fastener may be inserted through thevertical slot and have its fastener head rests on the horizontal slotduring assembly later.

In other embodiments, the outer surface 314 a of the column member maynot be defined with one or more slots. In such case, the outer surfaceof the column member includes a solid surface with no slots.

FIGS. 4a-4e show various views of an example configuration of a femaleconnector 135 which is applied to the riser 130 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 4a and4b show 3-dimensional views of the riser when viewed from top and bottomrespectively, FIG. 4c shows the top view, FIG. 4d shows thecross-sectional view while FIG. 4e shows the bottom view of the riser.As described, the riser may be used to increase the height of the trophyassembly. As shown, the riser, for example, includes a first end 411 anda second end 412. The first end 411 may be referred to as top end andthe second end 412 may be referred to as the bottom end. The first end411 of the riser is proximal to the second end 112 of the ornamentalstructure 110 while the second end of the riser is distal from thesecond end of the ornamental structure during assembly. As an example,the riser includes a body 414 defined from the first end to the secondend. In one example, the body of the riser is generally in the form of aconical-shaped structure. In such case, the first end 411 of the riserincludes an outer diameter D_(R1) which is substantially the same as theouter diameter D_(O) of the second end 112 of the ornamental structurewhile the second end 412 of the riser includes an outer diameter D_(R2)which is larger than the outer diameter of the second end of theornamental structure. Other suitable configuration or shape of the risermay also be useful.

In one embodiment, the riser includes a female connector 135. The femaleconnector 135, in one embodiment, is a columnar or tubular element 416extending from the first end 411 towards the second end 412 of theriser. The tubular element, for example, is generally in the form of acylindrical hollow tube having an inner surface 413, similar to thecolumn member 314 described in FIG. 3a-3e . The tubular element includesa first end and a second end. The first end of the tubular element alsocorresponds to the first end 411 of the riser while the second end 415of the tubular element is displaced away from the second end 412 of theriser. For example, the second end 415 of the tubular element isdisposed above the second end 412 of the riser as shown in FIG. 4 d.

The tubular element includes a first opening and a second openingdefining a central cavity 420, a first guide rail 417 and a second guiderail 418. The first guide rail and the second guide rail are provided inthe form of vertical grooves in communication with the central cavity.The first guide rail and the second guide rail are positioned such thatthe first guide rail and second guide rail are in diametric oppositionwith each other. The central cavity, the first guide rail and the secondguide rail of the tubular element includes a configuration which matchesthe configuration of the male connector 115. For example, the centralcavity, the first guide rail and the second guide rail of the tubularmember are configured to receive the column member 314 of the maleconnector provided at the second end of the ornamental structure. Insuch case, the central cavity, the first and second guide rails aresuitably sized or dimensioned to receive or accommodate the columnmember 314 having the first flange 317 and the second flange 318 andstopper elements (e.g., 332, 333 and 334). The body of the tubularelement extends from the first end 411 to the second end 415 andincludes a length L_(T) which extends from the first end 411 to thesecond end 415. The length L_(T), for example, is smaller than thelength L_(C) of the column member. In such case, during assembly, thecentral cavity receives the body of the column member, the first guiderail receives the first flange while the second guide rail of thetubular element receives the second flange which allow the column memberto pass through and extend beyond the tubular element for connection toa support base.

In some embodiments where upper and lower stopper elements are provided,the central cavity receives the body of the column member, the firstguide rail receives the first flange and the first upper stopper elementwhile the second guide rail of the tubular element receives the secondflange and the second upper stopper element which allow the columnmember to pass through and extend beyond the tubular member forconnection to a support base. Thus, the upper stopper elements, forexample, may be used to resist or prevent the first and second flangesfrom shifting in the left and right direction while the lower stopperelement may be used to resist or prevent the first and second flangesfrom shifting in the forward and backward direction after insertion ofthe column member into the cavity of the tubular element.

The tubular element, for example, may optionally include a plurality ofrib elements 419 disposed on the internal surface 413. The rib elements,for example, extend longitudinally from the second end 415 of thetubular element in the z-direction and are spaced apart from each other.The rib elements, for example, may be used to provide support and tostrengthen the wall of the tubular element. In addition, the tubularelement may optionally include a stopper element 426 defined on thesecond end of the tubular element. The stopper element 426 may be usedto restrict or prevent over turning and to partially lock the male andfemale connectors 115 and 135 in position during assembly.

FIGS. 5a-5f show various views of an example configuration of a femaleconnector 155 which may be applied to a component of a trophy including,but not limited to, the support base 150 or the decorative piece 190 ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the female connector 155 may be provided inthe form of a standalone cap or coupling unit 170 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 5aand 5b show 3-dimensional views of the female connector 155 when viewedfrom top and bottom respectively, FIG. 5c shows the top view while FIG.5d , FIG. 5e and FIG. 5f show the cross-sectional views taken alongC-C′, D-D′ and E-E′ respectively. As shown, the female connector 155,for example, includes a housing member 511 and a base 512. The housingmember 511, for example, is generally in the form of a cylindricalstructure having a first end 511 a, a second end 511 b, an outer surfaceand an internal surface. The first end 511 a may be referred to as topend and the second end 511 b may be referred to as the bottom end. Thefirst end 511 a of the housing member is proximal to the second end 112of the ornamental structure during assembly while the second end 511 bof the housing member is coupled or connected to the base 512. As anexample, the housing member includes a body defined between the firstend and the second end. The first and second ends 511 a-511 b of thehousing member includes an outer diameter D_(H) which is substantiallythe same as the outer diameter D_(O) of the second end 112 of theornamental structure. Other suitable configuration or shape of thehousing member may also be useful.

The housing member includes a first surface defined at the first end, asecond surface defined at the second end, a central cavity 515, a firstguide rail 517, a second guide rail 518, a first track 527 and a secondtrack 528. The first guide rail and the second guide rail are providedin the form of vertical grooves in communication with the centralcavity. The first guide rail and the second guide rail are positionedsuch that the first guide rail and second guide rail are in diametricopposition with each other. The central cavity, the first guide rail andthe second guide rail of the housing member are configured to receive atleast the lower portion of the column member 314 of the male connectorprovided at the second end of the ornamental structure. In such case,the central cavity, the first and second guide rails are suitably sizedor dimensioned to receive or accommodate the column member 314. Forexample, the housing member is configured to receive the column member314 of the ornamental structure through the central cavity 515 from thetop end 511 a to the top surface 512 a of the base. The first guide rail517 is configured to receive the first flange 317 and the second guiderail 517 is configured to receive the second flange 318 of the maleconnector.

The first track 527 and the second track 528 are radially positionedaround the central cavity, where the first track and the second trackare in diametric opposition from each other. The first track and thesecond track are circumferentially extending and formed in thecircumferential inner sidewall of the housing member. The first trackand the second track are oppositely positioned from each other whenviewed from top as shown in FIG. 5c . The first track and the secondtrack each includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end ofthe first track is positioned adjacent and extends into the first guiderail 517 and the distal end 537 of the first track is oppositelypositioned from the proximal end. Similarly, the proximal end of thesecond track is positioned adjacent and extends into the second guiderail 518 and the distal end 538 of the second track is oppositelypositioned from the proximal end. The first and second tracks areprovided in the form of horizontal grooves with tapered configurationhaving a wider opening at the proximal end and a narrower opening at thedistal end. Such configuration provides locking of various components ofthe trophy when the first and second flanges are turned into a securedengagement position as will be described later so that the variouscomponents will not be dislodge. In one embodiment, the proximal end ofthe first track 527 is in communication with the first guide rail 517while the proximal end of the second track 528 is in communication withthe second guide rail 518.

The base 512, for example, is generally in the form of a cylindricalstructure. For example, the base 512 includes a first surface 512 a, asecond surface 512 b and a lateral surface positioned in between the topand bottom surfaces. The first surface 512 a may be referred to as thetop surface while the second surface 512 b may be referred to as thebottom surface. The top surface 512 a of the base is attached orconnected to the second end 511 b of the housing member while the bottomsurface 512 b is positioned away from the second end 511 b of thehousing member. The first and second surfaces of the base include anouter diameter D_(B) which is larger than the outer diameter D_(H) ofthe housing member. In the case where the female connector 155 isapplied to a support base, such as applied as part of the top surface ofthe support base, the outer diameter of the base 513 may correspond tothe outer diameter of the top surface of the support base. On the otherhand, if the female connector is applied to a decorative piece, such asapplied as part of the top surface of the decorative piece, the outerdiameter of the base may correspond to the outer diameter of the topsurface of the decorative piece. In the case where the female connectoris provided as a standalone cap or coupling unit, such as applied overthe top surface of a support base (e.g., a traditional support base),the outer diameter of the base may be smaller than the outer diameter ofthe support base.

In one embodiment, the base 512 of the female connector may be providedwith an opening 554. The opening 554, as shown, extends through thefirst and second surfaces of the base. The opening 554, for example, isconcentrically positioned within the central cavity 515 of the housingmember. The opening is configured such that a fastener or a fastenerelement (not shown) may be inserted through the opening and have itsfastener head rests within the opening during assembly later. Theopening 554, for example, includes a diameter D_(BO) adapted toaccommodate a fastener head.

The appearance of the ornamental or decorative structure 110, the riser130, the decorative piece 190, the coupling unit 170, the support base150 as shown are for illustration purposes. It is understood that thesecomponents can be in various suitable designs or configurations. Thevarious components of the trophy can be made of any suitable materials.For example, the ornamental structure and riser can be made of suitablematerials including plastic, metal, etc. while the support base of thetrophy can be made of suitable materials, including plastic, marble,wood, etc.

FIGS. 6a-6f show simplified drawings illustrating an embodiment of amethod 600 of assembling a trophy. The method 600 may involve variouscomponents of the trophy which includes the locking mechanism employingthe male connector and female connector as described in FIGS. 3a-3e ,FIGS. 4a-4e and FIGS. 5a-5f . Thus, common features or features havingthe same reference numerals may not be described or described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 6a , an ornamental or decorative structure (alsoreferred to as figure/topper) 110 similar to that shown in FIGS. 2a-2dis provided. For simplicity and illustration purpose, a lower portion ofthe ornamental or decorative structure 110 having the design as shown inFIGS. 2a-2d is illustrated in FIG. 6a . It is understood that theornamental or decorative structure 110 can be in various suitabledesigns or configurations as desired by the user and can be made of anysuitable materials, including plastic, metal, etc.

The ornamental or decorative structure 110 includes a first end and asecond end 112. In one embodiment, the ornamental or decorativestructure is configured with a male connector 115. The male connector115 is the same as the male connector 115 as described and shown withrespect to FIGS. 3a-3e . For example, the male connector includes acolumn member 314 having a first flange 317 and a second flange 318provided at the second end of the column member. In some embodiments,the column member of the male connector may also include the upper andlower stopper elements. As shown, the column member includes an outersurface 314 a that may be defined with one or more slots (e.g., 322,324) for accommodating a fastener or a fastener element (not shown). Itis understood that the outer surface of the column member may not bedefined with one or more slots.

As shown, a riser 130 is provided. The riser, in one embodiment,includes a female connector 135 as described and shown in FIGS. 4a-4e .For example, the female connector 135 includes a columnar or tubularelement 416 extending from the first end 411 towards the second end 412of the riser. The tubular element, for example, includes a centralcavity 420, first guide rail 417 and second guide rail 418.

The method 600 continues to join the male connector of the ornamentalstructure 110 with the female connector of the riser to form a firstpartially assembled unit 610 as shown in FIG. 6b . To properly engagethe male connector to the female connector, the column member of themale connector is aligned with the central cavity of the femaleconnector, the first flange is aligned with the first guide rail whilethe second flange is aligned with the second guide rail of the riser. Tojoin the male connector of the ornamental structure with the femaleconnector of the riser, the first flange and the second flange of themale connector are inserted through the first guide rail and the secondguide rail respectively while the column member passes through thecentral cavity of the riser. Once the male connector is inserted throughthe female connector, the first partially assembled unit 610 is formed.At this stage, the male connector is loosely held or engaged with thefemale connector as shown in FIG. 6c where the male connector may stillbe moveable in the z-direction. In some embodiments where the maleconnector is provided with upper and lower stopper elements, the upperstopper elements may resist or prevent the first and second flanges fromshifting in the left and right direction while the lower stopper elementmay resist or prevent the first and second flanges from shifting in theforward and backward direction after insertion of the column member intothe cavity of the tubular element. As described, the body of the tubularelement includes a length L_(T) which is smaller than the length L_(C)of the column member. Thus, when the male connector is inserted into thefemale connector, a lower portion of the column member with the firstand second flanges at the second end of the column member are exposedand extend beyond the second end of the tubular element as shown in FIG.6 d.

Referring to FIG. 6e , a support base 150 is provided. The support base,in one embodiment, includes a female connector 155 as described in FIGS.5a-5f being adapted or integrated as part of the top surface of thesupport base. In such case, the base 512 of the female connector 155corresponds to the top surface 150 a of the support base 150 while thehousing member 511 extends beyond the top surface 150 a of the supportbase as shown in FIG. 6e . The housing member, for example, includes afirst surface defined at the first end, a second surface defined at thesecond end, a central cavity 515, a first guide rail 517, a second guiderail 518, a first track 527 and a second track 528 as described in FIGS.5a -5 f.

The method 600 continues to engage the first partially assembled unit610 with the female connector 155 which is adapted as part of the topportion of the support base 150. To join the extended portion of themale connector of the first partially assembled unit 610 and the femaleconnector 155, the first flange 317 is engaged with the first track 527through the first guide rail 517, while the second flange 318 is engagedwith the second track 528 through the second guide rail 517. To properlyposition the extended portion of the male connector 115 with respect tothe female connector 155, the first flange 317 is aligned with the firstguide rail 517 and the second flange 318 is aligned with the secondguide rail 518 of the housing member. Once the male connector 115 isinserted into the female connector 155 through the first guide rail 517and the second guide rail 518, the first flange 317 and the secondflange 318 can be respectively moved in between the proximal end and thedistal end of the first track 527 and the second track 528. Thus, themale connector is able to move in between a first unsecuredconfiguration and a second secured configuration.

When the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the firstpartially assembled unit is positioned in the first unsecuredconfiguration. For example, the extended portion of the male connector115 of the first partially assembled unit 610 is considered to be in thefirst unsecured configuration when the first flange 317 is positionedadjacent to the proximal end of the first track 527 and the secondflange 318 is positioned adjacent with the proximal end of the secondtrack 528. The unsecured configuration allows the first partiallyassembled unit to easily separate the male connector and the femaleconnector apart from each other. When the first partially assembled unitis fitted to the support base, the extended portion of the first maleconnector of the ornamental or decorative structure is securely engagedwith the second female connector of the base through a twisting motionto form an assembled trophy. For example, the extended portion of themale connector 115 of the first partially assembled unit 610 isconsidered to be in the second secured configuration when the firstflange 317 is moved and positioned adjacent to the distal end 537 of thefirst track 527 and the second flange 318 is moved and positionedadjacent to the distal end 538 of the second track. The securedconfiguration prevents the separation of the male connector and thefemale connector apart from each other, providing a secured connectionin between the various components of the trophy. For instance, thevarious components of the trophy are securely engaged and assembled bytwisting in a first direction. The first direction, for example, may bean anticlockwise direction as illustrated in FIG. 6f . Alternatively,the first direction may be a clockwise direction. This completes theassembling of the various components of the trophy to form a trophyassembly as shown in FIG. 6f . When the first partially assembled unitand the support base need to be detached from each other, the maleconnector is rotated in a second direction to the unsecuredconfiguration from the secured configuration. The second direction, forexample, is in the direction opposite to the first direction. To unlockthe various components of the assembled trophy, the first flange ismoved from the distal end to the proximal end of the first track whilethe second flange is moved from the distal end to the proximal end ofthe second track and then releasing itself from the female connectorthrough the first and second guide rails.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6a-6f , the various components of the trophy canbe easily and rapidly assembled using the locking mechanism whichemploys the male connector and one or more female connectors. The maleconnector and the female connectors may be engaged with each otherthrough a twisting motion or rotation without utilizing any fastener orfastener element, such as screw, nuts, bolts, etc.

FIGS. 7a-7e show simplified drawings illustrating another embodiment ofa method 700 of assembling a trophy. The method 700 may be similar tothe method 600 as described in FIGS. 6a-6f and may involve variouscomponents of the trophy having the male connector and female connectoras described in FIGS. 3a-3e and FIGS. 4a-4e . Thus, common method steps,common features or features having the same reference numerals may notbe described or described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 7a , an ornamental or decorative structure 110 isprovided. For simplicity and illustration purpose, a lower portion ofthe ornamental or decorative structure 110 having the design as shown inFIGS. 2a-2e is illustrated in FIG. 7a . In one embodiment, theornamental or decorative structure is configured with a male connector115. The male connector 115 is the same as the male connector asdescribed with respect to FIGS. 3a-3e . For example, the male connector115 includes a column member 314 having a first flange 317 and a secondflange 318 provided at the second end of the column member. As shown,the column member includes an outer surface 314 a that may be definedwith one or more slots for accommodating a first fastener or a firstfastener element. For example, the outer surface of the column memberincludes a first horizontal slot 322 and a second horizontal slot 324which extend in the x-direction and a vertical slot 326 which extendsfrom the second end 312 to the first end 311 and passes through thefirst and second horizontal slots.

The method continues to provide a first fastener element 720. The firstfastener element 720 may be any suitable types of fastener includingbolt, screw, etc. In one embodiment, the first horizontal slot 322 isconfigured in a size sufficiently large to accommodate a fastener head721 of the first fastener element. In such case, the first fastenerelement 720 is inserted through the vertical slot and have its fastenerhead 721 rests on the first horizontal slot 322 while threaded shank orshaft 724 of the first fastener element passes through the vertical slothaving its lower portion extending beyond the second end 312 of the maleconnector as shown in FIG. 7a . By way of an example, the first fastenerelement 720 is a bolt. As shown, the bolt is inserted through thevertical slot and the bolt head rests on the first horizontal slot. Asshown, the lower threaded portion of the bolt extends beyond the secondend of the male connector.

In other embodiments, the second horizontal slot 324 is configured in asize sufficiently large to accommodate the fastener head of the firstfastener element. In such case, the first fastener element may beinserted through the vertical slot and have its fastener head rests onthe second horizontal slot. Inserting the first fastener element to thefirst or second horizontal slot depends on the size of the slot.

Referring to FIG. 7b , a riser 130 is provided. The riser, in oneembodiment, includes a female connector 135 as described and shown inFIGS. 4a-4e . For example, the female connector 135 includes a columnaror tubular element 416 extending from the first end 411 towards thesecond end 412 of the riser. The tubular element, for example, includesa central cavity 420, first guide rail 417 and second guide rail 418suitably sized or dimensioned to receive the male connector having thecolumn member with first flange and second flange. In one embodiment,the riser may include a stopper element 726 which assists in directingthe lower portion of the first fastener element through the femaleconnector of the riser. The stopper element 726 may prevent the top ofthe fastener element from moving forward and backward.

The method 700 continues to join the male connector 115 of theornamental structure 110 having the first fastener element 720 insertedtherein with the female connector 135 of the riser to form a firstpartially assembled unit 710 as shown in FIG. 7c . To properly engagethe male connector having the first fastener element inserted therein tothe female connector, the column member 314 is aligned with the centralcavity 420, the first flange 317 is aligned with the first guide rail417, the second flange 318 is aligned with the second guide rail 418 ofthe riser while the stopper element guides the lower portion of thefirst fastener element through the central cavity. To join the maleconnector of the ornamental structure with the female connector of theriser, the first flange and the second flange of the male connector areinserted through the first guide rail and the second guide railrespectively while the column member with the fastener therein passthrough the central cavity of the riser. Once the male connector withthe fastener is inserted through the female connector, the firstpartially assembled unit 710 is formed. At this stage, the maleconnector is loosely held by the female connector as shown in FIG. 7cwhere the male connector with the fastener may still be moveable in thez-direction. As described, the body of the tubular element of the femaleconnector includes a length L_(T) which is smaller than the length L_(C)of the column member of the male connector. Thus, when the maleconnector with the fastener is inserted into the female connector, alower portion of the column member with the first and second flanges atthe second end of the column member as well as the lower portion of thethreaded shank of the first fastener element are exposed and extendbeyond the second end of the tubular element as shown in FIG. 7 c.

Referring to FIG. 7d , a support base 750 is provided. The support base,in one embodiment, is a traditional support base. The traditionalsupport base 750, for example, can be made of plastic, marble, wood andother suitable form of support pedestal. The traditional support base,in one embodiment, includes a first surface 751, a second surface 752and lateral surfaces 754 in between the first and second surfacesforming the body of the support base 750. The first surface 751 may bereferred to as the top surface while the second surface 752 may bereferred to as the bottom surface. In one embodiment, the top and bottomsurfaces are substantially planar. The top surface 751, in oneembodiment, includes an opening or bore 758. The opening 758, forexample, is positioned at about the centre of the top surface 751 of thesupport base and has a size which is sufficiently large to accommodatethe threaded shank 724 of the first fastener element.

The method 700 continues to engage the first partially assembled unit710 with the support base 750. To join the first partially assembledunit 710 and the support base 750, the exposed lower portion of thethreaded shank 724 of the first fastener element is inserted through theopening 758 as shown in FIG. 7e . To properly position the firstpartially assembled unit with respect to the support base, the lowerportion of the threaded shank is aligned with the opening 758. Once thelower portion of the threaded shank 724 of the first fastener element isinserted into the opening 758, the extended portion of the maleconnector rests on top of the top surface 751 of the support base whichis substantially planar. As shown, the extended portion of the maleconnector having the column member with first flange and second flangerest on top of the top surface of the support base. At this stage, thefirst partially assembled unit 710 is in an unsecured configuration asit is still moveable in the z-direction.

Referring to FIG. 7f , the method 700 continues by providing a secondfastener element 730. The second fastener element, for example, includesa configuration which is engageable with and complements theconfiguration of the first fastener element. By way of an example, thesecond fastener element 730 includes a nut. The nut, for example, is ahexagonally shaped nut and has a nut body with internal threading forthreading on lower portion of the threaded shank of the first fastenerelement. Other suitably shaped nuts, including wing shaped nut, may alsobe useful. Thus, after the threaded shank of the first fastener elementis inserted into the opening and the second fastener element is drawn upby rotating in the first direction, the support base 750 is securelyengaged with the first partially assembled unit 710. The firstdirection, for example, may be a clock-wise direction. Such securedconfiguration prevents the separation of the male connector and thefemale connector apart from each other, providing a secured connectionin between the various components of the trophy. This completes theassembling of the various components of the trophy to form a trophyassembly as shown in FIG. 7f . The bottom view of the second fastenerelement securely engaging with the threaded shank of the first fastenerelement is illustrated in FIG. 7g . When the partially assembled unitand the support base need to be separated or detached from each other,the second fastener element is rotated in a second direction opposite tothe first direction. The second direction, for example, may be ananti-clockwise direction. This, for example, allows the assembled trophyto change from the secured configuration to the unsecured configuration.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7a-7g , the various components of the trophy canbe easily and rapidly assembled using the locking mechanism whichemploys the male connector and one or more female connectors. The maleconnector and the female connector may be connected with each other andmay be securely engaged with a traditional support base through suitablefastener or fastener element, such as screw, nuts, bolts, etc. Thisallows user to mix and match various components of trophy whichminimizes inventory.

FIGS. 8a-8g show simplified drawings illustrating another embodiment ofa method 800 of assembling a trophy. The method 800 may be similar tothe method 600 as described in FIGS. 6a-6f or method 700 as described inFIGS. 7a-7g and may involve various components of the trophy having themale connector and female connector as described in FIGS. 3a-3e , FIGS.4a-4e and FIGS. 5a-5f . Thus, common method steps, common features orfeatures having the same reference numerals may not be described ordescribed in detail.

Referring to FIG. 8a , a support base 750 is provided. The support base,in one embodiment, is a traditional support base and include the samefeatures as described in FIG. 7d . For example, the support base 750includes top and bottom surfaces 751 and 752 which are substantiallyplanar and includes an opening or bore 758 having a size which issufficiently large to accommodate a fastener or fastener element as willbe described later.

For illustration purpose, first, second and third fastener elements areprovided as shown in FIG. 8b . The first fastener element, for example,includes a washer 820 with a washer head 821 and internal thread, thesecond fastener element 825 includes a rod having first and secondthreaded end portions 827 and 828 while the third fastener elementincludes a nut 830 similar to the nut 730 as described in FIG. 7 f.

Referring to FIG. 8c , a decorative piece 190 is provided. Thedecorative piece 190, in one embodiment, includes a female connector 155as described in FIGS. 5a-5f being adapted or integrated as part of thetop surface 190 a of the decorative piece. In such case, the base 512 ofthe female connector 155 corresponds to the top surface 190 a of thedecorative piece while the housing member 511 extends beyond the topsurface 190 a of the decorative piece as shown in FIG. 8c . The housingmember, for example, includes a first surface 511 a defined at the firstend, a second surface 511 b defined at the second end, a central cavity515, a first guide rail 517, a second guide rail 518, a first track 527and a second track 528 as described in FIGS. 5a-5f In one embodiment,the housing member also includes an opening 554 which extends throughthe first and second surfaces of the base 512. The opening 554, forexample, is concentrically positioned within the central cavity 515 ofthe housing member. Further, the decorative piece 190 is also configuredto include a through hole 196 which extends from the bottom surface ofthe base 512 to the bottom surface 190 b of the decorative piece. Thethrough hole 196, for example, is in communication with the opening 554to accommodate portions of the first and second fastener elements aswill be described later.

The method 800 continues to join the first and second fasteningelements. For example, the second fastener element 825 (e.g., rod)having top threaded end 527 is drawn up by rotating in a first directionto be securely engaged with the internal thread of the first fastenerelement 820 (e.g., washer). As shown, this leaves the bottom threadedend 828 of the second fastener element exposed. The method continues byinserting the first and second fastener elements into the decorativepiece 190 through the central cavity 515 of the housing member 511. Atthis stage, the secured first and second fastener components passthrough the central cavity 515, the opening 554 and the through hole196, leaving the bottom threaded end 528 of the second fastener elementexposed and extends beyond the bottom surface 190 b of the decorativepiece. As shown in FIG. 8d , the head 821 of the first fastener element820 rests within the opening 554 of the base 512.

The method 800 continues to engage the decorative piece 190 with thesupport base 750 to form a partially assembled unit. The partiallyassembled unit may be referred to as a second or bottom partiallyassembled unit 810. To join the decorative piece 190 having the femaleconnector 155 with the support base 750, the exposed bottom threaded end828 of the second fastener element is inserted through the opening 758as shown in FIG. 8d . To properly position the decorative piece withrespect to the support base, the exposed bottom threaded end of thesecond fastener element is aligned with the opening 758. Once the bottomthreaded end is inserted into the opening, the decorative piece 190rests on top of the top surface 751 of the support base which issubstantially planar. At this stage, the decorative piece is in anunsecured configuration as it is still moveable in the z-direction.

Referring to FIG. 8e , the method 800 continues by providing the thirdfastener element 830 (e.g., nut). Thus, after the bottom threaded end ofthe second fastener element is inserted into the opening of the supportbase and the third fastener element is drawn up by rotating in the firstdirection, the support base is securely engaged with the decorativepiece. The first direction, for example, may be a clock-wise direction.Such secured configuration prevents the separation of the decorativepiece and the support base apart from each other, providing a securedconnection in between the support base and the decorative piece. Thiscompletes the formation of the second or bottom partially assembled unit810 as shown in FIG. 8e . When the decorative piece and the support baseneed to be separated from each other, the third fastener element isrotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Thesecond direction, for example, may be an anti-clockwise direction. This,for example, allows the partially assembled unit to change from thesecured configuration to the unsecured configuration.

The method 800 continues by providing the first partially assembled unit610. The first partially assembled unit 610 is the same as thatdescribed and shown in FIG. 6b and is formed by techniques as describedin FIGS. 6a-6b . Thus, such details will not be repeated herein.Referring to FIG. 8f , to join the first partially assembled unit andthe second partially assembled unit, the first flange 317 of the maleconnector is engaged with the first track 527 through the first guiderail 517 of the female connector, and the second flange 318 of the maleconnector is engaged with the second track 528 through the second guiderail 517 of the female connector. To properly position the extendedportion of the male connector of the first partially assembled unit 610with respect to the female connector of the second partially assembledunit 810, the first flange 317 is aligned with the first guide rail 517and the second flange 318 is aligned with the second guide rail 518.Once the male connector 115 is inserted into the female connector 155 aspart of the decorative piece through the first guide rail 517 and thesecond guide rail 518, the first flange and the second flange can berespectively moved in between the proximal end and the distal end of thefirst track 527 and the second track 528. Thus, the male connector 115is able to move in between a first unsecured configuration and a secondsecured configuration.

When the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the firstpartially assembled unit is positioned within the first unsecuredconfiguration. The first partially assembled unit 610 and the secondpartially assembled unit 810 are considered to be in the first unsecuredconfiguration when the first flange 317 is positioned adjacent to theproximal end of the first track 527 and the second flange 318 ispositioned adjacent with the proximal end of the second track 528. Theunsecured configuration allows the first and second partially assembledunits to easily separate apart from each other. On the other hand, theextended portion of the male connector of the first partially assembledunit is considered to be in the second secured configuration when thefirst flange 317 is positioned adjacent to the distal end 537 of thefirst track 527 and the second flange 318 is positioned adjacent to thedistal end 538 of the second track 528. The secured configurationprevents the separation of the male connector of the ornamentalstructure 110 and the female connector 155 of the decorative piece 190apart from each other, providing a secured connection in between thevarious components of the trophy. When the first partially assembledunit is fitted to the decorative piece of the second partially assembledunit, the extended portion of the first male connector of the ornamentalor decorative structure is securely engaged with the female connector ofthe decorative piece through a twisting motion to form an assembledtrophy. For instance, the various components of the trophy are securelyengaged and assembled by twisting in a first direction. The firstdirection, for example, may be an anti-clockwise direction asillustrated in FIG. 8g . Alternatively, the first direction may be aclockwise direction. This completes the assembling of the variouscomponents of the trophy to form a trophy assembly as shown in FIG. 8g .When the first partially assembled unit and the second partiallyassembled unit need to be separated from each other, the male connectoris rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Thisallows the first and second partially assembled unit to change from thesecured configuration to the unsecured configuration.

The method 800 as described and shown includes the use of first, secondand third fastener elements in the form of a washer, a rod and a nut. Itis understood that other suitable types of fastener or fastener elementsmay also be used.

FIGS. 9a-9d show simplified drawings illustrating another embodiment ofa method 900 of assembling a trophy. The method 900 may be similar tothe method 600 as described in FIGS. 6a-6f , method 700 as described inFIGS. 7a-7g or method 800 as described in FIGS. 8a-8g and may involvevarious components of the trophy having the male connector and femaleconnector as described in FIGS. 3a-3e , FIGS. 4a-4e and FIGS. 5a-5fThus, common method steps, common features or features having the samereference numerals may not be described or described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 9a , a support base 750 is provided. The support base,in one embodiment, is a traditional support base and includes the samefeatures as described in FIG. 7d . For example, the support baseincludes top and bottom surfaces which are substantially planar andincludes an opening or bore 758 having a size which is sufficientlylarge to accommodate a fastener or fastener element as will be describedlater.

Similar to that described in FIG. 8b , first, second and third fastenerelements are provided. The first fastener element 820, for example,includes a washer with a washer head 821 and internal thread, the secondfastener element 825 includes a rod having first and second threaded endportions 827 and 828 while the third fastener element 830 includes a nut830 similar to that described in FIG. 7f . The nut may include anysuitably shaped nut.

As shown in FIG. 9a , a female connector 155 as described in FIGS. 5a-5fis provided. The female connector 155, in one embodiment, is provided inthe form of a standalone cap or coupling unit 170. The female connector155 in the form of a standalone coupling unit may be provided over thetop surface 751 of the support base 750 which is substantially planar aswill be described later. The female connector 155 in the form of astandalone coupling unit 170 includes a housing member 511 and a base512. The housing member, for example, includes a first surface 511 adefined at the first end, a second surface 511 b defined at the secondend, a central cavity 515, a first guide rail 517, a second guide rail518, a first track 527 and a second track 528 as described in FIGS.5a-5f . In one embodiment, the housing member also includes an opening554 which extends through the first and second surfaces of the base 512.The opening 554, for example, is concentrically positioned within thecentral cavity 515 of the housing member 511.

The method 900 continues to join the first and second fastener elementssimilar to that as described in FIG. 8d . For example, the secondfastener element 825 (e.g., rod) having top threaded end 827 is drawn upby rotating in a first direction to be engaged with the internal threadof the first fastener component 820 (e.g., washer). As shown, thisleaves the bottom threaded end 828 of the second fastener elementexposed. The method continues by inserting the first and second fastenerelements into the coupling unit 170 through the central cavity 515 ofthe housing member. At this stage, the secured first and second fastenerelements pass through the central cavity 515 and the opening 554 at thebase 512 of the coupling unit 170, leaving the bottom threaded end 828of the second fastener element exposed and extends beyond the bottomsurface of the coupling unit. As shown in FIG. 9a , the head 821 of thefirst fastener element rests within the opening 554 of the base 512.

The method 900 continues to join the coupling unit 710 to the supportbase 750 to form a partially assembled unit 910. The partially assembledunit may be referred to as a second or bottom partially assembled unit.To join the female connector 155 in the form of a standalone couplingunit 170 with the support base 750, the exposed bottom threaded end 828of the second fastener element is inserted through the opening 758 ofthe support base as shown in FIG. 9b . To properly position the couplingunit with respect to the support base, the exposed bottom threaded endof the second fastener element is aligned with the opening. Once thebottom threaded end is inserted into the opening, the base 512 of thecoupling unit rests on top of or above the top surface 751 of thesupport base which is substantially planar. At this stage, the couplingunit is in an unsecured configuration as it is still moveable in thez-direction.

Referring to FIG. 9b , the method 900 continues by providing the thirdfastener element 830 (e.g., nut). Thus, after the bottom threaded end ofthe second fastener element is inserted into the opening 758 and thethird fastener element is drawn up by rotating in the first direction,the support base is securely engaged with the coupling unit. The firstdirection, for example, may be a clock-wise direction. Such securedconfiguration prevents the separation of the coupling unit and thesupport base apart from each other, providing a secured connection inbetween the support base and the coupling unit. This completes theformation of the second or bottom partially assembled unit 910 as shownin FIG. 9b . When the coupling unit and the support base need to beseparated from each other, the third fastener element is rotated in asecond direction opposite to the first direction. The second direction,for example, may be an anti-clockwise direction. This, for example,allows the partially assembled unit to change from the securedconfiguration to the unsecured configuration.

The method 900 continues by providing the first partially assembled unit610. The first partially assembled unit 610 is the same as thatdescribed and shown in FIG. 6b and is formed by techniques as describedin FIGS. 6a-6b . Thus, such details will not be repeated herein.Referring to FIG. 9c , to join the first partially assembled unit 610and the second partially assembled unit 910, the first flange 317 of themale connector is engaged with the first track 527 through the firstguide rail 517 of the female connector, and the second flange 318 of themale connector is engaged with the second track 528 through the secondguide rail 517 of the female connector. To properly position theextended portion of the male connector of the first partially assembledunit with respect to the female connector of the second partiallyassembled unit, the first flange is aligned with the first guide railand the second flange is aligned with the second guide rail. Once themale connector is inserted into the female connector through the firstguide rail and the second guide rail, the first flange and the secondflange can be respectively moved in between the proximal end and thedistal end of the first track 527 and the second track 528. Thus, themale connector is able to move in between a first unsecuredconfiguration and a second secured configuration.

When the male connector 115 is inserted into the female connector 155,the first partially assembled unit 610 is positioned within the firstunsecured configuration. The first partially assembled unit 610 and thesecond partially assembled unit 910 are considered to be in the firstunsecured configuration when the first flange 317 is positioned adjacentto the proximal end of the first track 527 and the second flange 318 ispositioned adjacent with the proximal end of the second track 528. Theunsecured configuration allows the first and second partially assembledunits to easily separate apart from each other. On the other hand, theextended portion of the male connector 115 of the first partiallyassembled unit 610 is considered to be in the second securedconfiguration when the first flange 317 is positioned adjacent to thedistal end 537 of the first track 527 and the second flange 318 ispositioned adjacent to the distal end 538 of the second track 528. Thesecured configuration prevents the separation of the male connector andthe female connector apart from each other, providing a securedconnection in between the various components of the trophy. When thefirst partially assembled unit is fitted to the coupling unit of thesecond partially assembled unit, the extended portion of the first maleconnector of the ornamental or decorative structure is securely engagedwith the female connector of the coupling unit through a twisting motionto form an assembled trophy. For instance, the various components of thetrophy are securely engaged and assembled by twisting in a firstdirection. The first direction, for example, may be an anti-clockwisedirection as illustrated in FIG. 9d . Alternatively, the first directionmay be a clockwise direction. This completes the assembling of thevarious components of the trophy to form a trophy assembly as shown inFIG. 9d . When the first partially assembled unit and the secondpartially assembled unit need to be separated from each other, the maleconnector is rotated in a second direction opposite to the firstdirection. This allows the first and second partially assembled unit tochange from the secured configuration to the unsecured configuration.

The method 900 as described and shown includes the use of first, secondand third fastener elements in the form of a washer, a rod and a nut. Itis understood that other suitable fastener elements may also be used.

The various shape and size of the ornamental or decorative structure,the riser, the decorative piece, the coupling unit and the base of thetrophy as shown above are for illustrative purposes. It is understoodthat the ornamental or decorative structure, the riser, the decorativepiece, the coupling unit and the base of the trophy can be in variousother suitable designs, shapes or configurations. The various componentsof the trophy can be made of any suitable materials. For example, thebase of the trophy can be made of suitable materials, including plastic,marble, wood, etc. Furthermore, in some of the embodiments, fastenerssuch as screw, bolt, washer, rod and nuts are shown. It is understoodthat other suitable types of fasteners are also useful.

The embodiments as described in this disclosure provide variousadvantages. The locking mechanism and the methods as presented in thisdisclosure allow assembling various components of trophy which minimizethe use of traditional assembling techniques which mainly utilize nuts,rods and screws to assemble a trophy together. Moreover, the lockingmechanism as described allows any two individual components of thetrophy to be securely fastened or to allow removal of the assembledtrophy or partially assembled unit into individual components using atwisting motion or rotation. Thus, the locking mechanism offersflexibility to assemble two or more components of the trophy as well asto disassemble partially assembled unit through a twisting motion. Thisprovides users or retailers flexibility to utilize and to mix and matchany existing or new components of the trophy to be assembled anddisassembled. This further allows retailer phase to clear existing stockin hand. Additionally, the locking mechanism as proposed reduces oravoids the use of screw and nuts to assemble two or more componentstogether. This lessens the assembly time and the locking mechanism mayalso be incorporated into traditional assembling method. Moreover, themethods of assembling a trophy as described are simplified and are costeffective as less hardware in the form of screws, nuts and rod are usedand hardware or tools to tighten the screws, nuts and rod are notrequired.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Theforegoing embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respectsillustrative rather than limiting the invention described herein. Scopeof the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather thanby the foregoing description, and all changes that come within themeaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to beembraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for assembling a trophy comprising:providing a first trophy component with a first connector, the firstconnector is one of a male connector or a female connector, the firsttrophy component is applied to the first connector to form an assembledpart of the trophy assembly, wherein the first trophy component is a topcomponent of the trophy assembly; providing a second trophy componentwith a second connector, the second connector is the other of the maleor female connector; wherein the male and female connectors areconfigured as a reversible locking mechanism for engaging the first andsecond trophy components to assemble and disassemble the trophyassembly, the male connector comprises a first configuration whichmatches with a second configuration of the female connector such thatwhen the male connector is mated with the female connector by insertingthe male connector into the female connector, the first and secondtrophy components are engaged in position, wherein the firstconfiguration of the male connector includes a column member comprisingfirst and second flanges, the first and second flanges extend outwardlyfrom the column member, and the second configuration of the femaleconnector comprises a central cavity with an inner surface defining thecentral cavity, wherein the inner surface of the central cavity includesfirst and second grooves recessed from the inner surface, wherein thefirst and second grooves each comprises a first segment foraccommodating one of the first and second flanges in an insertingdirection and a second segment for accommodating one of the first andsecond flanges in a rotating direction, the second segment comprisesfirst and second ends, the first end in communication with the firstsegment, the second segment comprises a smooth tapered profile in whichthe first end is wider than the second end, and a slot in communicationwith the second end of the second segment, the slot is configured toincrease a height of the second end of the second segment to accommodateand maintain one of the first and second flanges in a locked position;and assembling the first and second trophy components by inserting themale connector into the female connector and twisting the components tocause the flanges of the male connector to be in the slots and lockedinto the locked position.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the columnmember includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the firstflange and the second flange extend outwardly from the column member atthe second end of the column member, wherein the first flange and thesecond flange are positioned in diametric opposition with each other. 3.The method of claim 2 wherein the second configuration of the femaleconnector comprises a housing member and a base disposed below thehousing member, wherein the housing member is in the form of acylindrical structure having a first end, a second end, an outer surfaceand the inner surface, wherein the second end of the housing member iscoupled or connected to the base.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein thefirst segments of the first and second grooves comprises a first guiderail and a second guide rail, the second segments of the first andsecond grooves comprises a first track and a second track, wherein thecentral cavity, the first guide rail and the second guide rail areconfigured and dimensioned to receive the column member, the firstflange and the second flange of the male connector.
 5. The method ofclaim 4 wherein the first track and the second track arecircumferentially extending and oppositely positioned from each other insidewall of the inner surface of the housing member, and the first trackand the second track each comprises the first end and the second end ofthe second segment, and wherein the first end of the first track is incommunication with the first guide rail while the first end of thesecond track is in communication with the second guide rail.
 6. Themethod of claim 5 comprising: forming a first partially assembled unitby the inserting of the male connector into the female connector,wherein the insertion comprises positioning the first flange to thefirst end of the first track and the second flange to the first end ofthe second track, and performing the twisting motion in a firstdirection to move the first flange from the first end to the second endof the first track and to move the second flange from the first end tothe second end of the second track such that at least the first andsecond trophy components are securely engaged.
 7. The method of 6comprising providing a third trophy component, wherein the third trophycomponent comprises a first end and a second end and a second femaleconnector having a tubular element in the form of a cylindrical hollowtube extending from the first end towards the second end of the thirdtrophy component, wherein the tubular element comprises a first openingand a second opening defining a central cavity, a first guide rail and asecond guide rail provided in the form of vertical grooves incommunication with the central cavity, and wherein the central cavity,the first guide rail and the second guide rail of the tubular elementare configured and dimensioned to receive the column member, the firstflange and the second flange of the male connector.
 8. The method ofclaim 7 comprising: joining the male connector with the second femaleconnector to form a first partially assembled unit prior to theinserting of the male connector with the first female connector, whereinforming the first partially assembled unit comprises inserting the firstflange and the second flange of the male connector through the firstguide rail and second guide rail respectively of the second femaleconnector, wherein a lower portion of the column member with the firstand second flanges are exposed and extend beyond the tubular element. 9.The method of claim 8 wherein the first trophy component is anornamental structure having a first end and a second end and wherein themale connector is disposed at the second end of the ornamentalstructure, the second trophy component is a support base and wherein thefirst female connector is adapted as part of a top surface of thesupport base and the third trophy component is a riser.
 10. The methodof claim 8 wherein the first trophy component is an ornamental structurehaving a first end and a second end and wherein the male connector isdisposed at the second end of the ornamental structure, the secondtrophy component is a decorative piece configured to include the firstfemale connector.
 11. A method of assembling a trophy comprising:providing a first trophy component having a first connector; providing asecond trophy component having a second connector; configuring the firstand second connectors as a reversible locking mechanism for assembly anddisassembly of the trophy, wherein the second connector is configured toreceive flanges of the first connector, wherein the second connectorcomprises a central cavity with an inner surface defining the centralcavity, wherein the inner surface of the central cavity includes groovesrecessed from the inner surface, wherein the grooves each comprisesfirst and second segments, wherein the second segment comprises firstand second ends, the first end in communication with the first segment,the second segment comprises a smooth tapered profile in which the firstend is wider than the second end, and a slot in communication with thesecond end of the second segment, the slot is configured to increase aheight of the second end of the second segment to accommodate andmaintain the flanges in a locked position; engaging the first and secondtrophy components through a twisting or rotating motion to assemble thetrophy from an unlocked position in a locking direction to the lockedposition; and disengaging the first and second trophy components todisassemble the trophy from the locked position in an unlockingdirection to the unlocked position.
 12. The method of claim 11 whereinconfiguring the first and second connectors comprising inserting thefirst connector into the second connector, wherein the first connectorincludes a column member, wherein the flanges comprises first and secondflanges extending outwardly from the column member, wherein the firstconnector is a male connector and the second connector is a femaleconnector.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the grooves comprise firstand second grooves.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the centralcavity and the first segments of the first and second groovesaccommodate the inserting the male connector into the female connector.15. The method of claim 13 wherein the second segments of the first andsecond grooves accommodate the rotating the first and second trophycomponents in the locking direction.
 16. The method of claim 13 whereinwhen the first and second flanges reach the second end of the secondsegment, the first and second trophy components are in the lockedposition.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein a height of the secondsegment of the first and second grooves each before the slot at thesecond end is less than a height of the one flange of the male connectorin order to securely lock the one flange in the locked position.
 18. Themethod of claim 13 wherein the female connector comprises a housingmember and a base disposed below the housing member, wherein the housingmember is in the form of a cylindrical structure having a first end, asecond end, an outer surface and the inner surface, wherein the secondend of the housing member is coupled or connected to the base.
 19. Themethod of claim 18 wherein the second segments of the first and secondgrooves are circumferentially extending and oppositely positioned fromeach other in sidewall of the inner surface of the housing member.
 20. Amethod of assembling a trophy comprising: providing a first trophycomponent having a first connector; providing a second trophy componenthaving a second connector; configuring the first and second connectorsas a reversible locking mechanism, wherein configuring the first andsecond connectors comprising inserting the first connector into thesecond connector, wherein the first connector is a male connector andthe second connector is a female connector, wherein the female connectorcomprises a central cavity and first and second grooves recessed from aninner surface of the central cavity, wherein the first and secondgrooves each comprises a first segment and a second segment, wherein thesecond segment comprises a first end in communication with the firstsegment and a second end, wherein the central cavity and the firstsegments of the first and second grooves accommodate the inserting themale connector into the female connector; engaging the first and secondtrophy components through a twisting or rotating motion to assemble thetrophy from an unlocked position in a locking direction to a lockedposition, and wherein the second segments of the first and secondgrooves accommodate the rotating the first and second trophy componentsin the locking direction, wherein the second segment of the first andsecond grooves each comprises a smooth tapered profile in which thefirst end is wider than the second end, the male connector comprises acolumn member comprising first and second flanges extending outwardlyfrom the column member, wherein when the first and second flanges reachthe second end of the second segment, the first and second trophycomponents are in the locked position, the second segment of the firstand second grooves each comprises a slot in communication with thesecond end to accommodate one flange of the male connector, and whereina height of the second end of the second segment is increased by theslot, the slot is configured to accommodate and maintain one of thefirst and second flanges in the second end; and disengaging the firstand second trophy components to disassemble the trophy from the lockedposition in an unlocking direction to the unlocked position.